Go! staff

HEPPNER — The Inland Northwest Musicians will present the Willow Creek Symphony in concert this weekend.

The first performance is at the Gilliam-Bisbee Building, 106 E. Main St. in Heppner, on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m.

The second is at Pendleton Christian School (formerly Harris Jr. Academy) at 3121 SW Hailey Ave. on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 4 p.m

Admission is free at both concerts. The Heppner concert is made possible by funds provided from the Morrow County Unified Recreation District. Per Oregon mandates and facility policies, both venues require audiences to wear masks.

The podium will be shared by R. Lee Friese, music director and conductor of the Inland Northwest Musicians, and apprentice conductors Ashley Walchli and Donald Dugan. Selections to be performed include “Jurassic Park Theme” by John Williams, a selection of songs from Simon and Garfunkel, “Pennywhistle Jig” by Henry Mancini, “Isle of Capri” by Will Grosz, “March Noble” by Christian Bach, “Danza” by Vaclav Nelhybel and the “Sounds of Norway” by Edvard Grieg.

According to a press release, the Willow Creek Symphony is a preparatory orchestra, providing an orchestral experience for developing instrumentalists of all ages. Adults and students play and learn together, sometimes several generations within families.

The Willow Creek Symphony performs concerts for the community as well as annual Young People’s Concerts for students in grades four through six throughout the region. The symphony began in Heppner and now rehearses at Armand Larive Middle School in Hermiston.

For these concerts, the Willow Creek Symphony will be joined by some members of the Inland Northwest Orchestra.

Founded in 1999, Inland Northwest Musicians is composed of volunteer musicians from throughout Eastern Oregon and Southwestern Washington. INWM performance ensembles include the Inland Northwest Orchestra, Inland Northwest Chorale and Willow Creek Symphony, all of whom present concerts throughout the region in communities of all sizes. Admission to all concerts is free of charge, funded by corporate sponsors, grants, local concert sponsorships and individual donations. For more information, visit www.inlandnorthwestmusicians.com.